Ask Sam letter

To Sam23 September 2015

is it legal or illegal for a 14 yr old girl to be engaged

Recently my boyfriend proposed to me. He's 16 and I'm 14 and recently I'm wondering if its illegal or legal. We get on really well. I'm really happy to be engaged but I'm really nervous cause I don't know what age you have to be engaged at. He said once I turn 16 we re going to get married and start our own family. But I also don't want to chuck everything down the drain with sch

Sam23 September 2015

Hi there,

There is no minimum age to get engaged, so this is legal. Im wondering if anyone else, like your family and friends know about your engagement. It's important to have support around you.

You said that your boyfriend has said that once you turn 16 you're going to get married and start your own family. Its important for you both to know that there are rules about getting married. These rules are different depending on whereabouts you live in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you need your parents' permission to marry under the age of 18. In Scotland you can marry at age 16. You can find more information about getting married on the CAB website.

Its important that you think carefully about the decisions that you are making about your future. Getting married is a big decision for anyone to make. You dont have to do anything that you dont feel comfortable with. And remember, you have the right to choose what you do with your life, even if that means delaying getting married so you can continue with your education and career.